Step 3: Neutralize. Create a thick paste out of baking soda and water. Apply to the spill to absorb it. Wait 1 or 2 minutes. Wipe up the mixture with paper towel and immediately put the soiled paper towel in the plastic bag. Apply another layer of the baking soda paste.
Causes of Bare Spots in the Lawn. Bare spots in your lawn can be the result of heavy foot traffic (causing soil compaction), drought, disease, chemical burn and weed or insect infestation. Before beginning repairs, you need to determine the source of your problem.
These circular, brown spots in the lawn typically appear after a spell of dry, hot weather. Damage from dog urine can also appear as light yellow to dark green spots in the grass. The light yellow and brown patches are the equivalent to fertilizer burn. As the salts are leached out, the grass will grow back, typically with a vengeance.